At the heart of life: Yoga & wild plants
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes / Drome
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions37.89 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Welcome to our retreat, " At the Heart of Life: Yoga and Wild Plants ," a unique experience designed to revitalize you through yoga practice and rejuvenate you by connecting with the plant world. You will discover the edible and medicinal plants that surround us through harvesting and preparing delicious and beneficial recipes and a medicinal macerate.
You will be accommodated in an eco-friendly and inspiring setting. Our zero-waste gîte, nestled in the hills of the Drôme, welcomes you for a total immersion in the practice of yoga and the plant kingdom.
Treat yourself to an awakening of body and soul through the benefits of yoga postures and the magnificent plants that nourish and heal. Our food is our first medicine! A beautiful alchemy to connect with yourself, with life, and with others. You will have the opportunity to deepen your yoga practice and learn about harvesting and processing wild plants.
Our meals are prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, showcasing the culinary riches of our region and supporting local producers. We will also enjoy what we have prepared to nourish our bodies in a healthy and balanced way.
The highlights
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Nature immersion & yoga 3 to 4 hours per day in the heart of a splendid stone cottage
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Certified yoga teacher, gong specialist and Ayurvedic massage therapist
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Harvesting and processing wild plants alongside a passionate botany graduate.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Yoga
- Average duration/day: 3h
- 2 average daily practices
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
French
You will be guided by Rachel. She has been teaching yoga and gong baths for over 10 years. She has extensive experience with various types of yoga and also teaches the art of playing the gong. She is a practitioner of Ayurvedic massage. Her intention is for everyone to offer their full potential to the world. Rachel has been leading workshops and retreats for several years. She is experienced in group dynamics and in supporting individuals in their well-being.
Maxime will share his experience in the field of wild plants with you.
Passionate about the natural world for many years, Maxime earned a master's degree in ecology in 2014 and has been working in science outreach and education since 2012. He has been interested for many years in various fields of natural sciences, particularly the uses of plants (medicinal and edible). He leads field trips and workshops on this topic and many others. Sharing knowledge, enthusiasm, and curiosity are what he enjoys bringing to these outings.
Program
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The seed - sowing the potential
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We expect you at the cottage at 12pm. We will welcome you on the shaded terrace of the cottage with a carefully prepared lunch.
Then, we will use the practice room for a talking circle to open up the space.
3pm - 5pm - Discovering plants and the basics of botany. Harvesting for pesto.
5:30pm - 7pm - Kundalini yoga workshop: loosen your body, let your spine become more flexible. Ground yourself in your body to experience your whole self.
7pm - 7:30pm - Relaxation with gong vibrations
8pm - Dinner
Day 1 -
The roots - going into one's depths, connecting with one's land
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Number of practices per day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
7:15 am - 8:45 am - Yoga session - detox
9am - 10am - Breakfast
10:15 am - 1:15 pm - Plant exploration: vocabulary necessary for basic identification and introduction to the main botanical families. Harvesting for a syrup and a medicinal macerate. Beginning of processing.
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM - Lunch
3pm - 5:30pm - Time for yourself: relaxation, massage available
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Kundalini yoga workshop
Going deep into your roots through deep breathing and postures, and connecting with yourself through meditation. Discovering the flow of energy within yourself through yoga.
7pm - 7:30pm - Gong relaxation
8pm - Dinner then free evening to enjoy the enchanting setting of the cottage.
Day 2 -
The stems - to spread out in height
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Number of practices per day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
7:15 - 8:45 - Yoga session - deep muscles
9am - 10am - Breakfast - Seva's Time
10:30am - 1:30pm - Introduction to herbalism. Field botany. End of the transformation begun the previous day.
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM - Lunch
3pm - 5:30pm - Time for yourself: relaxation, massage available
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Kundalini Yoga Workshop: Transforming matter requires engaging the mind! We will explore the mechanisms of thought and the mind. We will see how our preconceived ideas impact our behavior and our reality, and how different types of meditation can be a remedy for the automatic patterns that limit our life and energy.
7pm - 7:30pm - Gong relaxation
8pm - Dinner
Day 3 -
Harvest the fruit
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Consider a fresh start
8am - 10am - Last Yoga session. Greater awareness for greater self-presence.
10:30am - 12pm - Brunch all together.
12:15 - 13:30 - Closing circle to gather the fruits of the stay and sow the seeds for the future
Then it will be time to pack up and take one last moment to enjoy the place and the people. Departure at 1:30 pm.
Day 4
Note
The program itinerary is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications or adjustments based on technical criteria, safety requirements, or prevailing weather conditions. In such cases, only the program leaders are authorized to make the necessary decisions.
Accommodation
The cottage is located in an exceptional natural setting. It is a historic stone building, carefully renovated by Jeanne, a lady with great values, both human and ecological.
You will be accommodated in shared rooms in small cottages for 2 to 5 people. Each one has its own small kitchen.
The yoga practice room is located in the heart of the guesthouse.
Access
Go to the starting point
Go to Valence train station and then go to Crest (30 minutes by TER train or bus station).
From there, take bus D27 to Bourdeaux. We will pick you up there. https://www.laregionvoustransporte.fr/lignes/d27-crest-bourdeaux
Another option: go to Nyons train station and take bus D38 to Bouvières: https://webzine.voyage/bus/drome/ligne-d38-horaires/?utm_source
We will pick you up in the village.
CARPOOLING
A shared document will be made available for setting up carpooling and a WhatsApp group will be opened the week before the stay to finalize the organization of the journeys.
Another option is to take a taxi - WARNING, remember to book in advance.
Taxi du Val de Drôme - 06 76 29 44 92
AG Taxi Transport - 06 09 32 74 58
Taxi Montélimar - 06 76 09 85 00
Allow 1 hour drive from Valence, 50 minutes from Montélimar.
If you arrive via Nyons and Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, the gîte is located on a promontory on your right 1.5 km after passing through the village of Bouvières, in the direction of Crupies and Bourdeaux.
If you arrive via Bourdeaux or Dieulefit, the gîte is located on a promontory on your left 1.5 km before reaching the village of Bouvières.
A sign next to a stone hut indicates the route to take. You will need to climb to the very top of this path. Note: at the low stone wall (halfway point), take the left-hand path to reach the parking area, which will remain at your disposal for the duration of your stay.
CARPOOLING
A shared document will be made available for setting up carpooling and a WhatsApp group will be opened the week before the stay to finalize the organization of the journeys.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in an eco-lodge for 3 nights / 4 days
- All meals are made with fresh, seasonal produce.
- Tourist taxes
- Yoga classes led by a KRI (Kundalini Research Institute) certified professional
- Meditation or relaxation sessions with a gong
- Plant workshops (harvesting and preparation)
- advice regarding practice or health.
The price does not include
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Your journey to the place of stay
- Your yoga and hiking equipment
- Massages (optional)*
- Additional nights at the cottage before and after the stay*
- Anything not listed under "price includes".
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Yoga mats and cushions available upon request.
Equipment to bring
For picking
- A small backpack (20 or 30 L)
- Appropriate walking attire (flexible trousers and a breathable jacket)
- Hat or cap, sunscreen and sunglasses
- A water bottle
- A waterproof jacket in case of bad weather
- A pair of shoes suitable for walking
- Small pots that are taller than they are wide, if possible.
Yoga
- Comfortable clothing for practicing
- A rug (loan possible)
- A relaxation blanket or shawl
- A seat cushion or zafou (available for loan)
- A notebook and pen for taking notes
